It was our 1st official Spring Break and I am hooked. There is nothing like taking off a few days to truly enjoy the spring-like weather after the long winter months. Neither Ryan nor I came from Spring Break type of families in that we did not do the traditional trip to the beach in April as kids. We always enjoyed the week off with our school teacher mom's and now I understand the importance of taking that week off as the kids energy levels are quite high with only a month to go before summer break. For months, Kate and I have been planning a visit to see one of my best friends Sarah and her dear family, BJ, Anna Cate and Molly. I have written about our special friendship after their annual trip to our house each summer but there was something even more special about this trip and the solidification of a special bond that started with our moms, has continued with our generation, and is now blossoming between Anna Cate and Kate.
After months of planning the trip through Skype sessions, we decided that it would be best for just Kate and I to make the trip considering it is still too overwhelming for me to travel with Jake. Ryan and Jake enjoyed a bachelor weekend, enjoying only one home cooked by my mom (thanks mom) on Easter, while Kate and I ate, drank and smiled our way through Fredericksburg, VA and Washington, DC. There were so many 1st in this trip to include, but not limited to, the following:
- a visit to Sarah's home of 10+ years, Fredericksburg, VA
- a special Easter service in Sarah and BJ's home church, Fredericksburg Baptist Church and believe it or not, the Easter Bunny does find you no matter where you are on Easter morning
- crab legs and shrimp on Potomac River
- tea and scones at a fancy cottage downtown Fredericksburg
- a taxi ride through Washington, DC (make that a total of 5 taxi rides)
- metro ride from our hotel to the National Zoo
- a trip to several of the monuments that we thought might resonate with 2 6 (or almost 6) year olds - The White House, The Washington Monument, and the new Martin Luther King, Jr monument
- an Amtrack trip to BWI airport
There were some other great experiences, that weren't 1st's but were fun none the less including the plane ride, hotel stay (with a fabulous pool), sushi dinner with a childhood friend of Sarah's, and of course, wonderful food, drinks, and company.
Before I get into the friendship portion of the post, I wanted to share some of the pictures of our trip. There are so many to choose from so please make sure you visit this link to view them all (there are over 200 after combining Sarah's and mine). Enjoy.
Take-off - the anticipation was so great that Kate and I both cried at take off. What a special moment to enjoy with my little girl.
We caught the sunset while decending into Baltimore
Tons of outside playtime in the Sarah and BJ's beautiful backyard
Tea and scones at Pinkadilly Tea in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. This is a "must-do" every time we visit. We practiced for a week on how to properly drink our tea and even though the girls didn't exactly enjoy the fruity tea, they slurpped down the pink lemonade. Kate was extra tired on Saturday after staying up until midnight on Friday night and waking up at 6:00 a.m. so there were a few tears but overall, we loved it and want to go back, just maybe when we are not so tired.
Dinner at one of BJ's customer's restaurants in northern VA on the Potomac River - Ryan said he would have even gone to the tea cottage with us for the day if it meant he could have enjoyed this dinner. It was as good as it looks! Kate ate 3 pieces of fish and at least 5 hushpuppies. So yummy!
Easter Eve filled with the tradition of dying Easter Eggs and preparing for the bunny's arrival.
Our girls all dolled up for Easter Service.
Is Molly not the sweetest thing you have ever seen. She enjoys taking pictures as much as Jake.
Easter Service at Fredericksburg Baptist Church
Brunch after service at Foode - another "must -do" if in Fredericksburg
The egg hunt at BJ and Sarah's home.
On Monday morning, we drove to Washington DC to enjoy a few of the sights, including the National Zoo, a ride on the metro, a walk around the National Mall, a stop or 2 for ice-cream, dinner with Sarah's good friend, Dorinda at SEI (incredible sushi), and a little swim time at our hotel (J.W. Marriott). It was the perfect trip - several good sights but not too much for the kids.
The Metro
The National Zoo
An ice cream break on the way back to the metro
The Washington Monument
The South Lawn of the White House, still packed with people due to the Annual Easter Egg Hunt
One of 5 taxi rides (it is probably a tie between the hotel and the taxi ride as Kate's favorite part)
Sushi at SEI with Dorinda. The place had a New York feel and was quite fancy for 2, 6-year-olds. In effort to ensure good behavior, Sarah and I threatened them that we would have to walk back to the hotel instead of take a taxi, which worked! They were really good, allowing us a great visit and a nice meal.
We also rewarded their good behavior with a little swim time upon our return to the hotel. The JW Hotel was the perfect spot - allowing a lot of dancing from the room's window seal! Perfect, perfect, perfect! Agian, the hotel may have been the best part for Kate and Anna Cate.
A little R&R for Sarah and I and a little dance party for Kate and Anna Cate on Monday afternoon. The view from the room was amazing.
On Tuesday morning, we had a quick bite to eat at a local cafe and then sought out to see a few more sights - The White House and The Martin Luther King, Jr memorial.
And after the perfect weekend, we took the Amtrak train to BWI airport and made our way back home to Ryan and Jake.
This trip was more than just the wonderful sights and good food captured above. It was also about nuturing a long-standing friendship and watching a new found friendship blossom. Sarah and I have been friends since before I can remember and her family means the world to me. We have always lived at least 1 state away and it is often several weeks or months between our conversations. No matter the distance, it is like a beat has never been missed when we talk or visit. Our journey through life is so similar - we got married within 6 months of each other, our kids are almost the exact same age, and we strive to raise strong, independent, and good natured children. It is our differences; however, that makes our friendship strong. She challenges me to be a better person on so many levels - intellectually, physicially, and emotionally. Our time together this week has made me reflect upon all the other relationships in my life and how I can be a better wife, mother, daughter/neice/daughter-in-law, and of course, friend. I anticipate that when Kate is 35 and reflecting upon her friendship with Anna Cate that she will likely say the same.
I treasure the time that the 4 of us spent together Easter weekend and I look forward to so many more annual trips in the future! They won't always be as exciting as a flight to DC, but they will be as rewarding. Thank you Sarah for your wonderful hospitality. It truly meant the world to Kate and me.
